Daoist Internal vs. Ordinary External Kung Fu styles

​The definition of what constitutes an "internal" or "external" style of martial arts training varies widely.

​Some teachers will tell you that an internal style is characterized by "soft" techniques, while external styles feature "hard" methods.

Others maintain that the internal styles are "defensive" while the external arts are "offensive" in nature. The reality is such a distinction is purely a western concept. In Daoism the idea of inner and outer are products of the mind alone.

Even the idea of Inner (Nei) and Outer (Wei) Qi, or energy, is a misnomer because they are simply dual aspects of the same thing.

​For example, in Chinese Medicine the energy that flows outside the skin is called protective Qi (Wei Qi). The Qi that moves within the veins is called nutritive Qi (Ying Qi).

Even though the location is different they are just the Yin and Yang aspects of the same thing. So why name them separately then? Simple specificity of the location you’re talking about identifies the function of the Qi in question. Not the Qi itself.

When talking about Daoist internal arts, the Qi is developed through practicing specific postures and sounds, mental imaging and breathing techniques. This "internal" training is generally referred to, in Chinese, as Qigong or Neigong meaning "Qi work" and "internal work/discipline," respectively.

The vast majority of martial arts today, such as Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Shaolin Kung Fu and so on, practice their martial arts applications and their Qigong separately, sitting down before or after a training session or performing various exercises specifically designed to cultivate the Qi.

The idea is that eventually the two aspects will manifest themselves as one, with every strike or defense harnessing the power of the Qi.

Others, however, incorporate the Qigong breathing and mental focus techniques directly into the martial applications from day one. In general, the latter approach is far more difficult to master, and requires a much longer period of training before the practitioner can effectively use the techniques for martial purposes.

At the Four Dragons Institute we combine the two, but for a completely different purpose.

There are many martial arts schools throughout the world which focus on combat techniques, self-defense, and dealing with confrontation.​

We leave the external conflicts to those that focus their attention and training outwardly.Instead we focus on the conflict that people, no matter their proclivity for violence or pacifism, are constantly engaged in, the conflict within their minds and hearts. The Daoist sage Lao Tzu wrote “Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Conquering others is strength; conquering yourself is true power"

THE THREE INTERNAL SISTERS

The most commonly known internal Chinese Daoist arts are Taiji, Xingyi, and Bagua. Learned together they are sometimes known as the ‘Three Internal Sisters’.

The reason I teach them is not for striving or contending with other people, but to learn to cease the strife within your heart and mind. “The body is the dwelling place of Qi. The heart is the residence of the spirit. When the mind is moved, spirit is agitated; when spirit is agitated, qi is dispersed.” (Lao Tzu, Wondrous Scripture for Daily Internal Practice of the Great High Lord Lao)

​When the heart is at peace, your whole world will be at peace.

​Lao Shi, Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM), MAOM, L.Ac Daoist Abbot & Priest​​My journey began at age 8 when I met an elderly Chan Buddhist monk. From the moment I first laid eyes on him, I felt like I had fallen down the rabbit hole and have never reemerged. Born to Daoist parents from the Hua Mountain sect of the Complete Reality (Quanzhen) school of Daoism, he was entered into a Buddhist monastery at age 6.

​As I began my training with him, he raised me with a curriculum that included the core of the Chan (Zen to the West) doctrine and scriptures along with the teachings and scriptures from the Complete Reality (Quanzhen) school and Orthodox Unity (Zhengyi) school of Daoism. Read Lao's Full Bio